Wednesday, July 21, 2010

mail art


front of pc


back of pc

Address and stamp to be added when sent.


This is a handmade envelope, from a scanned
page 11 x 17.

Address and stamp to be added when sent.


Back of envelope

Looking back, a cousin and I started making
our own envelopes and exchanged starting
in jr high school and obviously continues
today. The postcard above was made
on a 4 x 6 davey board. The envelope
from a scanned photo.

I've rarely if ever purchased a card
or envelope, except in extreme
circumstances.


This week at
The Three Muses is a Mail Art Theme.

You can find other links:

Here

29 comments:

johanna said...

wonderful mail art!

Hermine said...

They all look great

WrightStuff said...

Such interesting pieces and I love that you never purchase cards or envelopes! Cool!

Just Another Film Buff said...

Aha. These are so surreal. So striking, CM.

I'm not really able to "get" what they mean though. Do they have a connection between them? I'm lost here!

First pic: "I ahve survived". What's teh context here?

Second pic: Is that Stalin on the second pic? Looks like him.

Third pic: Looks more conventional than others. Still, is that froma particular country?

Fourth pic: Noseology?!

And is this hand collage or computer made?

I'm so illiterate when it comse to such forms of art. So treat me like a kindergarten kid here, will you, CM?!


Cheers!

Merle Sneed said...

Those are so creative. Very nice, my friend.

indybev said...

I'm so glad to see you back again. I've missed seeing your work in our challenges. Your mail art is stunning and unique. What a collection you must have over the years of exchange! Thank you so much for sharing with us!

Taluula said...

So pleased to see you back my friend and what beauties you bring with you. These pieces of mail art are absolutely stunning and inspired. Bravo.

Lori Saul said...

Fantastic mail art- really inventive and eye catching!

http://truutske.blogspot.com said...

Fantastic mail-art creations.

José said...

Fabolous work!

Jester said...

They are FANTASTIC!

Coffee Messiah said...

Thanks ladies!

jafb: "survived" is for a friend who makes and plays cigar box guitars who went to fl on vacation. We also have shared mailart and other things through the years.

African instrument from a book from the Colombian Expo, Chicago 1800s.

Noseology is from a book by Elbert Hubbard. These are all cut and paste collages. A few on my sidebar are computer generated, but a few are indeed cut and paste.

In a nutshell, I start with an image and it all goes from there. You see what you see, that's why I never call them anything.

Not sure why you'd feel bad about not understanding - I'm always amazed to read your reviews, 'cause when I see a film, unless it's psychological, I never see what ya'll point out. Cheers!

merle: Hey, Thanks.

bev/taluula: Thanks, when I see something that grabs me, I'll always return to join in.

Tom said...

the postal museum in dc is a cool place--if you havnt seen it, think youd appreciate it..a bit of cool mail art, i thought of you

Sam Juliano said...

Aha, so the cat's out of the bag, eh? Ha! The interpretations are lucidly spelled out in the response to Just Another Film Buff's query! Well, I found all that fascinating as I do with the sustained sense of mystery that informs some of this evocative collages.

Why purchase cards or envelopes when you have this far more creative hankering? Lovely presentation here as always.

Sharlene said...

Nice!
and
7/23/10
Happy Birthday Big Bro!
I love you! Lil Sis

Just Another Film Buff said...

It's your birthday, CM? My best wishes for great years ahead!

Cheers!

John said...

CM, this is really creative stuff!

You mention that you do not buy card any longer. So comes birthdays, holidays you make your own?


...and a happy birthday to you!!!

karen said...

Always fun popping in here! Totally whole package eye treats! Your works are amazing. Love the envelopes.
Hope you're enjoying your summer!

Coffee Messiah said...

tom: Thanks, I remember Kim mentioning the museum exhibit also. Haven't been there since the 60s. If I ever go and I surely want to, it won't be in summer.

sam: Didn't realize there was a cat in the bag....

shar: Hey, Thanks!

jafb: Thanks so much, I'll need it.

john: Thanks...I don't send as many as I used to. It's a selective group that receives mail anymore.

maggie: Thanks for stopping by. Er, it's too damn
hot and humid ; (

California Girl said...

Hello You! So you've been doing this since you were 13. That explains why you are so prolific and committed. You just love it. I particularly like the looks of this post card.

Have you tried printing and selling your work (or is that a post I may have missed?)

Sam Juliano said...

Happy Birthday Michael!

Coffee Messiah said...

cg: Thanks, and yes, it's on the back burner, as I'm working on a few projects in hopes of getting better to tap into Etsy at first, and hopefully further later.
If I had a good camera, it would be easier. Altered books and handmade also are in the works. Thanks for stopping by and asking.

sam: Thanks so much!

Lisa Ursu said...

I would love to receive those in the mail.
Fantastically original!

Coffee Messiah said...

liza: There's a mail art saying: Senders receive.

Ozstuff said...

What a great and unique collection. I love the whimsy and the humour. Superb artwork.

Coffee Messiah said...

oz: Thanks for stopping by!

Gaby Bee said...

Your mail art looks great. Love especially the third envelope!
Have a good one!
Gaby xoxox

Anil P said...

I never had the imagination to create my own envelopes, always bought them at the Post Office.

These are wonderful envelopes you made. I wouldn't be surprised if a post man was tempted to keep a few for their vibrancy instead of delivering them at the address :-)

Coffee Messiah said...

gabby: Thanks!

anil p: Some seem to enjoy them, some don't seem to really notice. With the lack of mail these days, they sure do stick out though.